Cheesy Beef Hot Dog Buns

Ingredients (makes about 6 buns)

• 6 soft hot dog buns or dinner rolls
• 250–300 g ground beef
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons ketchup or tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing buns)
• Chopped parsley or spring onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef filling
   • Heat oil in a pan.
   • Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
   • Stir in ketchup and mustard, then cook until the mixture is not watery.
2. Fill the buns
   • Make a slit in each hot dog bun without cutting all the way through.
   • Add the cooked beef mixture.
   • Top generously with shredded cheese.
3. Bake
   • Place filled buns on a baking tray.
   • Brush tops lightly with butter.
   • Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 8–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the buns are warm.
4. Serve
   • Sprinkle with parsley or spring onions if desired.
   • Serve hot with ketchup, chili sauce, or a side salad.

Tips

• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
• For a creamier filling, mix a little cream cheese into the beef before filling the buns.
• These can be prepared ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer.